Second Chances Garage

To better acquaint our members and the greater community with our grantees, we are highlighting some of the nonprofit organizations that have received WGC grant funds. This quarter, we reached out to Tonya Hatosy-Stier, Executive Director of Second Chances Garage, to learn more about the organization's mission to help transform the lives of women through improved access to transportation.

Please introduce yourself. What is your role at your organization and how long have you been with the organization?

I'm Tonya Hatosy-Stier, Executive Director of Second Chances Garage. I joined the organization in January 2025, bringing with me a background in nonprofit leadership, community partnerships, and a passion for helping our Frederick County neighbors build stronger, more independent futures.

What is the mission of the organization, and what personally moves you about that mission? Second Chances Garage helps individuals and families achieve greater stability and independence through affordable vehicle repairs and access to safe, reliable transportation.

What inspires me most is how something many of us take for granted—a working vehicle—can make such a profound difference in someone’s life.

The stories that touch my heart most are those of single mothers and women who have grown up in the system, faced incredible obstacles, and are determined to break the cycle of generational poverty. I am continually inspired by their strength, perseverance, and sheer determination to build a better future for themselves and their children.

There is nothing quite like seeing the relief on a woman's face when she realizes it will no longer take her two hours to buy a gallon of milk. That she can pick up her sick child from school without having to rely on someone else. That she can accept an extra shift at work, make it to a doctor's appointment, or take her kids to soccer practice. That she can finally say "yes" to opportunities she once had to turn down simply because she had no way to get there.

It's the little things so many of us never think twice about. But for the women we serve, those everyday moments represent something enormous: freedom, dignity, independence, and the ability to be there for the people who depend on them.

These women are already doing the hard work to change their circumstances. We're simply helping remove one of the obstacles standing in their way.

What are the most significant challenges that the organization is facing right now? What are the most significant challenges faced by the clients/populations that you serve? For the women we serve, particularly single mothers - women living in ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households, accessing and maintaining reliable transportation is an ongoing financial challenge.

These are women who are working hard, supporting their families, and doing everything they can to build financial stability. Yet purchasing a dependable vehicle can feel completely out of reach, especially when they're already struggling to cover housing, childcare, groceries, and other basic necessities. For women who do own a vehicle, one unexpected $500 or $1,000 repair can create a financial crisis. A breakdown can quickly lead to missed work, lost wages, childcare challenges, and even job loss.

We address both sides of this challenge. Our Low-Cost Vehicle Program helps women access safe, reliable vehicles at an affordable price, while our Reduced-Cost Car Repair Program helps them maintain the vehicles they already own. Both programs are essential because obtaining reliable transportation is only part of the equation; keeping it affordable and on the road is just as important.

One of our biggest challenges is keeping pace with the growing demand for our programs. We've outgrown our current space, and we're actively exploring opportunities to expand our facilities and increase our capacity. It's an exciting time for Second Chances Garage as we plan for the future and find ways to serve more Frederick County neighbors who depend on reliable transportation.

Can you share a bit about the program funded by the Women's Giving Circle and its impact?

The Women’s Giving Circle has been an incredible partner in helping women throughout Frederick County access and maintain reliable transportation through both our Low-Cost Vehicle Program and Reduced-Cost Car Repair Program.

Our Low-Cost Vehicle Program helps women purchase safe, reliable vehicles for $590, opening doors to employment opportunities, greater independence, and financial stability. Our Reduced-Cost Car Repair Program helps women keep the vehicles they already own safely on the road by making essential repairs, such as brakes, steering, suspension, and tires, much more affordable.

During the July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 grant period alone, WGC funding helped 61 women receive 65 essential vehicle repairs. WGC has also supported 14 women purchase a vehicle through our Low-Cost Vehicle Program.

Both programs are critical to helping women maintain employment, pursue better job opportunities, get their children to school, medical appointments, and extracurricular activities, and meet their families' everyday needs. 

Do you have any specific stories that you can share with us that illustrate what you are doing in the community?

One young woman we recently helped, JO, lives in subsidized housing with her family. After her parents divorced, she spent years relying on public transportation and walking long distances to get to school and work.

Determined to become independent, JO worked hard and saved enough money to purchase her first vehicle (not through us). Unfortunately, the car turned out to have serious mechanical problems, leaving her without reliable transportation and costing her the savings she had worked so hard to build.

But JO didn't let those setbacks stop her. She has a goal: to become the first person in her family to graduate from college. She's currently attending community college, pursuing a career as an X-ray technician, while continuing to work toward a better future for herself and her family.

Through Second Chances Garage, JO was able to purchase a program car for $590, giving her the freedom to get to work, attend classes, support her family, and continue pursuing her goals. (she is the only one in the family with a driver’s license)

JO's story touches my heart because she wasn’t looking for someone to solve her problems. She came to us determined, hardworking, and doing everything she could to create a different future. She just needed an opportunity and reliable transportation to help her get there. And I can't wait to see what she accomplishes next!

Is there anything further that members of the Giving Circle can do to help, in terms of volunteering, in-kind donations, etc?

Absolutely! There are many ways WGC members can help us keep Frederick County moving.

• Donate a vehicle. Cars, trucks, and SUVs in nearly any condition can support our work. Some are refurbished for program recipients, while others generate revenue to support our services.

• Spread the word. Introduce us to friends, financial advisors, employers, and community members who may have a vehicle to donate or want to support our mission.

• Become a monthly supporter. Our Pit Crew monthly giving program provides dependable funding that helps us plan and respond to transportation needs throughout the year.

• Connect us with community partners. Relationships with local employers, businesses, automotive professionals, and service organizations help us reach more neighbors and strengthen our programs.

• Join a committee. Do you enjoy event planning? Capital campaigns? Governance? Marketing? Operations? We need you!

And most importantly, continue advocating for women who are working hard but face financial barriers to reliable transportation. We truly couldn’t do what we do without women like you!